Plant Operator - National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Golden, CO
About the Job
Posting Title
Plant Operator
.
Location
CO - Golden
.
Position Type
Regular
.
Hours Per Week
40
.
Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.
Job Description
Be a part of a world-class research laboratory at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as a Plant Operator for the Renewable Fuels Heating Plant (RFHP). As a team member in NREL’s Office of Site Operations, Maintenance group you will operate the RFHP facility and it’s equipment under limited supervision. The RFHP was built in 2008 on the South Table Mountain Campus to use renewable wood residue fuel to power a secondary heating plant. In this role you will be responsible for all day-to-day operations, performance, maintenance, and repair tasks associated with the RFHP and it’s equipment. You will also assist with the facility maintenance of other facilities at the laboratory in addition to the RFHP, as assigned.
Primary job functions:
+ Support continuous RFHP operations, and all maintenance activities prioritizing on safe operations that comply with all applicable regulations and NREL policies and procedures. Ensure safety is always a priority and continually manage the facilities’ level of environmental emissions.
+ Perform operations tasks at facility specifications including continual or periodic equipment monitoring, and manual and automated building controls adjustments required to achieve facility and energy conservation performance requirements.
+ Maintain wood chip boiler, fuel storage pit, fuel augers and other handling components, conveyors, sensors, air locks, fans, ash system, and associated instrumentation and controls.
+ Must be able to read and interpret original manufacturer’s equipment specifications, CAD drawings, operating procedures and other instructions to ensure safe operations and achieve facility and energy conservation performance requirements.
+ Inspect and sample the quality of the wood fuel supply.
+ Inspect all boiler controls and combustion equipment and related systems for conformance with operational standards. Observe and record boiler controls, gauges and other operating data, and make necessary adjustments to fuel and airflow and other inputs to maximize RFHP system performance and detect operating issues.
+ Troubleshoot energy and facility performance issues and related mechanical and equipment issues.
+ Working with the RFHP’s Environmental Services Contractor as necessary, identify and resolve all plant performance or equipment issues.
+ Oversee annual system shutdown and associated facility cleaning and preventative maintenance, as well as annual system start-up and associated inspections and verifications of system parameters.
+ Perform minor fitting and other plumbing repairs such as tightening joints and related housekeeping of the plant.
+ Procure necessary spare parts, and materials including working with Procurement to secure the required amounts and quality of the wood residue fuel source.
+ Record and compile plant operational and maintenance data by completing forms, logs including preventative maintenance logs, and other reports.
+ Receive outage calls and call-in necessary personnel during outages and emergencies.
+ Participate on cross-functional teams for special tasks and projects, and other projects and duties as assigned.
.
Basic Qualifications
Relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope in construction, mechanical or electrical technology and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Full knowledge of general maintenance. Basic knowledge of facility systems and mechanical, electrical and pneumatic equipment. Basic troubleshooting skills. Ability to read blueprints. Basic project administration skills. Very good team and interpersonal skills.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
+ Candidates must be very safety conscious and work well independently with limited supervision.
+ Able to enhance and develop processes to comply with applicable DOE Orders, OSHA standards, and all NREL environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements.
+ Completion of a trade or vocational program, able to operate tools and equipment typically acquired from such trade/vocational programs, or Journeyman level experience in mechanical and plumbing, including knowledge of machines and tools including their uses, maintenance and repair.
+ Must be able to work from ladders and scaffolds, and capable of physical activity.
+ Knowledge of boilers, pumps, and associated systems and equipment.
+ Analytical ability for understanding and interpreting building system documents and drawings.
+ Proficient with standard office business products including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of accredited Boiler Operator program preferred.
.
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Facilities Tech III / Annual Salary Range: $55,400 - $91,400
NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
.
EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
EEO is the Law (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm) | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_English_unformattedESQA508c.pdf) | Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)
E -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08_01_2013.pdf) for English or here (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview and for hiring. DOE rules for site access during the interview process depend on whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NREL (https://www.nrel.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NREL) at the lab.
Plant Operator
.
Location
CO - Golden
.
Position Type
Regular
.
Hours Per Week
40
.
Working at NREL
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.
Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.
We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.
Job Description
Be a part of a world-class research laboratory at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as a Plant Operator for the Renewable Fuels Heating Plant (RFHP). As a team member in NREL’s Office of Site Operations, Maintenance group you will operate the RFHP facility and it’s equipment under limited supervision. The RFHP was built in 2008 on the South Table Mountain Campus to use renewable wood residue fuel to power a secondary heating plant. In this role you will be responsible for all day-to-day operations, performance, maintenance, and repair tasks associated with the RFHP and it’s equipment. You will also assist with the facility maintenance of other facilities at the laboratory in addition to the RFHP, as assigned.
Primary job functions:
+ Support continuous RFHP operations, and all maintenance activities prioritizing on safe operations that comply with all applicable regulations and NREL policies and procedures. Ensure safety is always a priority and continually manage the facilities’ level of environmental emissions.
+ Perform operations tasks at facility specifications including continual or periodic equipment monitoring, and manual and automated building controls adjustments required to achieve facility and energy conservation performance requirements.
+ Maintain wood chip boiler, fuel storage pit, fuel augers and other handling components, conveyors, sensors, air locks, fans, ash system, and associated instrumentation and controls.
+ Must be able to read and interpret original manufacturer’s equipment specifications, CAD drawings, operating procedures and other instructions to ensure safe operations and achieve facility and energy conservation performance requirements.
+ Inspect and sample the quality of the wood fuel supply.
+ Inspect all boiler controls and combustion equipment and related systems for conformance with operational standards. Observe and record boiler controls, gauges and other operating data, and make necessary adjustments to fuel and airflow and other inputs to maximize RFHP system performance and detect operating issues.
+ Troubleshoot energy and facility performance issues and related mechanical and equipment issues.
+ Working with the RFHP’s Environmental Services Contractor as necessary, identify and resolve all plant performance or equipment issues.
+ Oversee annual system shutdown and associated facility cleaning and preventative maintenance, as well as annual system start-up and associated inspections and verifications of system parameters.
+ Perform minor fitting and other plumbing repairs such as tightening joints and related housekeeping of the plant.
+ Procure necessary spare parts, and materials including working with Procurement to secure the required amounts and quality of the wood residue fuel source.
+ Record and compile plant operational and maintenance data by completing forms, logs including preventative maintenance logs, and other reports.
+ Receive outage calls and call-in necessary personnel during outages and emergencies.
+ Participate on cross-functional teams for special tasks and projects, and other projects and duties as assigned.
.
Basic Qualifications
Relevant Associate's Degree or certification program of comparable scope in construction, mechanical or electrical technology and 4 or more years of experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Full knowledge of general maintenance. Basic knowledge of facility systems and mechanical, electrical and pneumatic equipment. Basic troubleshooting skills. Ability to read blueprints. Basic project administration skills. Very good team and interpersonal skills.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
+ Candidates must be very safety conscious and work well independently with limited supervision.
+ Able to enhance and develop processes to comply with applicable DOE Orders, OSHA standards, and all NREL environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements.
+ Completion of a trade or vocational program, able to operate tools and equipment typically acquired from such trade/vocational programs, or Journeyman level experience in mechanical and plumbing, including knowledge of machines and tools including their uses, maintenance and repair.
+ Must be able to work from ladders and scaffolds, and capable of physical activity.
+ Knowledge of boilers, pumps, and associated systems and equipment.
+ Analytical ability for understanding and interpreting building system documents and drawings.
+ Proficient with standard office business products including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of accredited Boiler Operator program preferred.
.
Job Application Submission Window
The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.
Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)
Job Profile: Facilities Tech III / Annual Salary Range: $55,400 - $91,400
NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits Summary
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
Badging Requirement
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Submission Guidelines
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
.
EEO Policy
NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
EEO is the Law (http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm) | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_English_unformattedESQA508c.pdf) | Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)
E -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08_01_2013.pdf) for English or here (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.
E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.
NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview and for hiring. DOE rules for site access during the interview process depend on whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NREL by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Drug Free Workplace
NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.
If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.
Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NREL (https://www.nrel.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nrel.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NREL) at the lab.
Source : National Renewable Energy Laboratory
